Biathlon Rifles

[Cyrano]

Saw some of the Women's Biathlon on NBC the other day. The rifles are facinating; they seem to be straight pull rifles of some sort with the bolt on a pivot. Pivoting the bolt up and back ejects the empty; forward and down loads the round. What kind of rifles are these? I've never seen them cataloged in the various Gun Digests. I have an Izmash Biathlon which works on a toggle, like a Luger turned on its side, but it's a sporting rifle, not a biathlon rifle, although it may be descended from one. Anyone know anything about biathlon rifles?

 

[Ignatz]

J.G. ANSCHTZ GmbH & Co. KG

 

[n4zov]

As far as I know there are two manufacturers of biathlon rifles: Anschutz in Germany and Izhmash in Russia. Here is a link to the U.S. importer of the Izhmash:


Biathlon

Supposedly the Anschutz is more refined but the Ishmash is just as serviceable.

 

[mtgianni]

Savage sponsered the Summer Biathlon team a while back and donated rifles for beginning shooters to use in practices. {I was a range official for 5 years}. The Russian Biakal was the beginning choice for many @ around $875-$1000 in 2000, the Anschutz the gun to move to as you improved. Most are skiers or runners first with shooting secondary. Straight pull 5 shot guns with room for 4 magazines on the side. All are scary accurate when you find the ammo they like.

 

[K Harris]

There is some good information on Altius Handcrafted Firearms

 

[Cyrano]

Wow!! Incredible rifles. I'd love to shoot one; I bet they're great fun. Unfortunately the price precludes my ever owning one. My Izmash Biathlon sporting rifle is a real tack driver.